Bats, along with a batting helmet and a glove shown at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

Bats, along with a batting helmet and a glove shown at Constellation Field in Sugar Land.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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A player's shadow casts onto the warning track as he and others throw to warm up.

A player's shadow casts onto the warning track as he and others throw to warm up.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Tracy McGrady, a non-roster invitee center, gets ready to throw in the bullpen.

Tracy McGrady, a non-roster invitee center, gets ready to throw in the bullpen.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Tracy McGrady, center, works with other Sugar Land Skeeters spring training players after the Skeeters media day at Constellation Field, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Sugar Land.

Tracy McGrady, center, works with other Sugar Land Skeeters spring training players after the Skeeters media day at Constellation Field, Tuesday, April 15, 2014, in Sugar Land.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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David Pauley throws live batting practice.

David Pauley throws live batting practice.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Catcher Koby Clemens in the batting cage during workouts

Catcher Koby Clemens in the batting cage during workouts

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Catcher Koby Clemens in the batting cage during workouts.

Catcher Koby Clemens in the batting cage during workouts.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Sugar Land Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti hits balls to infielders.

Sugar Land Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti hits balls to infielders.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Tracy McGrady, center, speaks to the media before workouts.

Tracy McGrady, center, speaks to the media before workouts.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Tracy McGrady, center, speaks to the media before workouts.

Tracy McGrady, center, speaks to the media before workouts.

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Sugar Land Skeeters sign Tracy McGrady

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By Andrew Valderas

Former Rockets player and NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady will be on the opening day roster for the Sugar Land Skeeters.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this club for the 2014 season,” McGrady said in a release from the team. “To be a part of the team means everything to me and it’s a dream come true. I look forward to coming to the ballpark not only to play the game but to be in the clubhouse building camaraderie with these guys. I am excited to start the journey we’re going to take this season.”

The basketball player turned pitcher reported to spring camp last week and pitched one inning in a scrimmage against Alvin Community College. The 6-foot-8 right-hander allowed one run on three hits in one inning.

“We are excited about our team this season and having Tracy McGrady as a part of it,” Skeeters manager Gary Gaetti said. “We’re also excited to see what unique opportunities this could present for us in putting a good product on the field and we look forward to Tracy helping us win some ball games.”

The Skeeters open their season at 7:05 p.m. Thursday against Lancaster at Constellation Field.

The 34-year-old McGrady spent 16 years in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, Rockets, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs. The seven-time All-Star won two scoring titles.

One of the most talented players in NBA history, Tracy McGrady retired from basketball on Aug. 26, 2013. Take a look back at his career, from high school to the NBA Finals and all points in between, including his five-year run with the Rockets. less

One of the most talented players in NBA history, Tracy McGrady retired from basketball on Aug. 26, 2013. Take a look back at his career, from high school to the NBA Finals and all points in between, including ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>1997 NBA draft</center></strong>
The Toronto Raptors selected Tracy McGrady with the ninth pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft.

<center><strong>1997 NBA draft</center></strong>
The Toronto Raptors selected Tracy McGrady with the ninth pick in the first round of the 1997 NBA draft.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images

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<center><strong>1997-98 season</center></strong>
As a rookie, McGrady (shown here on the back of Scottie Pippen) played in 64 games and had averages of 7.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. less

<center><strong>1997-98 season</center></strong>
As a rookie, McGrady (shown here on the back of Scottie Pippen) played in 64 games and had averages of 7.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists per ... more

Photo: Rene Johnston / Associated Press

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<center><strong>1998-99 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 49 games in his second season, posting averages of 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

<center><strong>1998-99 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 49 games in his second season, posting averages of 9.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images

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<center><strong>1999-00 season</center></strong>
McGrady's final season in Toronto was his best as he averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 79 games with the Raptors. less

<center><strong>1999-00 season</center></strong>
McGrady's final season in Toronto was his best as he averaged 15.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 79 games with the ... more

Photo: Tannis Toohey / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2000 slam dunk contest</center></strong>
McGrady competed in one of the greatest dunk contests in history. T-Mac had a strong showing, but his cousin and Raptors teammate, Vince Carter, won the memorable event. less

<center><strong>2000 slam dunk contest</center></strong>
McGrady competed in one of the greatest dunk contests in history. T-Mac had a strong showing, but his cousin and Raptors teammate, Vince Carter, won ... more

<center><strong>2000-01 season</center></strong>
The first of his four seasons in Orlando saw his scoring average rise from 15.4 to 26.8. T-Mac was named to the All-Star for first time in his career. less

<center><strong>2000-01 season</center></strong>
The first of his four seasons in Orlando saw his scoring average rise from 15.4 to 26.8. T-Mac was named to the All-Star for first time in his ... more

Photo: Roy Dabner / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2001-02 season</center></strong>
McGrady made his second All-Star appearance in his fifth season in the NBA. He averaged 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

<center><strong>2001-02 season</center></strong>
McGrady made his second All-Star appearance in his fifth season in the NBA. He averaged 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists.

Photo: Mark Von Wehrden / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2002-03 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his first NBA scoring title as he averaged 32.1 points.

<center><strong>2002-03 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his first NBA scoring title as he averaged 32.1 points.

Photo: Duane Burleson / Associated Press

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<center><strong>2003-04 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his second consecutive NBA scoring title in his final season with the Magic. T-Mac averaged 28.0 points in 67 games.

<center><strong>2003-04 season</center></strong>
McGrady won his second consecutive NBA scoring title in his final season with the Magic. T-Mac averaged 28.0 points in 67 games.

Photo: Gary W. Green / Associated Press

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<center><strong>Traded to Rockets</center></strong><br>On June 29, 2004, Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines were traded to the Rockets in a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato to the Magic. less

<center><strong>Traded to Rockets</center></strong><br>On June 29, 2004, Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines were traded to the Rockets in a seven-player deal that sent Steve Francis, ... more

Photo: Christobal Perez / Chronicle file

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<center><strong>2004-05 season</center></strong>
Tracy McGrady played in a career-high 78 games in his first season with the Rockets. McGrady made the All-Star team. The season was McGrady's best season in Houston as he averaged 25.7 points with 6.2 rebounds and 5.7 assists. McGrady again fell short of advancing past the first round of the playoffs as the Rockets lost to the Dallas Mavericks in seven games. less

<center><strong>2004-05 season</center></strong>
Tracy McGrady played in a career-high 78 games in his first season with the Rockets. McGrady made the All-Star team. The season was McGrady's best season in ... more

Photo: Karen Warren / Chronicle

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McGrady is responsible for one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA history, when he single-handedly brought the Rockets back to beat the Spurs on December 9, 2004. His barrage of three pointers (and one four point play) will remain in Houstonians' hearts forever. less

McGrady is responsible for one of the most improbable comebacks in NBA history, when he single-handedly brought the Rockets back to beat the Spurs on December 9, 2004. His barrage of three pointers (and one ... more

Photo: JAMES NIELSEN / HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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<center><strong>2005-06 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 47 games and the Rockets missed the playoffs in his second year in Houston. Despite his injury problems, he was voted to the All-Star Game that was to be played in Houston at Toyota Center. less

<center><strong>2005-06 season</center></strong>
McGrady played in only 47 games and the Rockets missed the playoffs in his second year in Houston. Despite his injury problems, he was voted to the All-Star ... more

Photo: Sharon Steinmann / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2006 All-Star Game</center></strong><br>McGrady had 36 points to lead all scorers in his sixth All-Star appearance while playing in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center. He missed the potential game-winning shot and also lost out on the MVP award to LeBron James. less

<center><strong>2006 All-Star Game</center></strong><br>McGrady had 36 points to lead all scorers in his sixth All-Star appearance while playing in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center. He missed the ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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<center><strong>2006-07 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped lead the Rockets to the fifth best record in the league while averaging 24.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. The Rockets were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Jazz in seven games. less

<center><strong>2006-07 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped lead the Rockets to the fifth best record in the league while averaging 24.6 points, 6.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds. The Rockets were ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / HOUSTON CHRONICLE

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<center><strong>2007-08 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped the Rockets win a franchise-record 22 straight games during the regular season, but was nursing shoulder and knee injuries by the time the playoffs came along. The Rockets drew a rematch with the Jazz and were eliminated once again in the sixth game of the first round despite McGrady's 40 points and 10 rebounds. less

<center><strong>2007-08 season</center></strong><br>McGrady helped the Rockets win a franchise-record 22 straight games during the regular season, but was nursing shoulder and knee injuries by the time the ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2008-09 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played 35 games in the 2008-09 season, but the Rockets did fine without him. Houston won its first round playoff series against the Blazers and took the eventual NBA champion Lakers to a seven-game battle in the second round before bowing out of the post season. less

<center><strong>2008-09 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played 35 games in the 2008-09 season, but the Rockets did fine without him. Houston won its first round playoff series against the Blazers and ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>2009-10 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played in six games with the Rockets during the 2009–10 season due to injuries. He was traded to the New York Knicks in February. less

<center><strong>2009-10 season</center></strong><br>McGrady only played in six games with the Rockets during the 2009–10 season due to injuries. He was traded to the New York Knicks in ... more

Photo: Billy Smith II / Houston Chronicle

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<center><strong>Traded to Knicks</center></strong><br>On February 18, 2010, McGrady was traded to the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade involving Houston, New York, and the Sacramento Kings. less

<center><strong>Traded to Knicks</center></strong><br>On February 18, 2010, McGrady was traded to the New York Knicks as part of a three-team trade involving Houston, New York, and the Sacramento ... more

Photo: Nick Laham / Getty Images

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<center><strong>Signs with Pistons</center></strong><br>On August 16, 2010, McGrady signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.

<center><strong>Signs with Pistons</center></strong><br>On August 16, 2010, McGrady signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Pistons.

Photo: Brett Coomer / Chronicle

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<center><strong>Signs with Hawks</center></strong><br>On December 7, 2011, McGrady agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran minimum.

<center><strong>Signs with Hawks</center></strong><br>On December 7, 2011, McGrady agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran minimum.

Photo: Brian Babineau / NBAE via Getty Images

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<center><strong>Signs with Qingdao Eagles in China</center></strong><br>On October 9, 2012, McGrady signed a one-year deal with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball Association. less

<center><strong>Signs with Qingdao Eagles in China</center></strong><br>On October 9, 2012, McGrady signed a one-year deal with the Qingdao Eagles of the Chinese Basketball ... more

Photo: Imaginechina

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<center><strong>Signs with Spurs</center></strong><br> On April 16, 2013, McGrady made his return to the NBA as he joined San Antonio for the rest of the 2012-13 season. During the team's NBA Finals run, T-Mac appeared in six games. less

<center><strong>Signs with Spurs</center></strong><br> On April 16, 2013, McGrady made his return to the NBA as he joined San Antonio for the rest of the 2012-13 season. During the team's NBA Finals run, T-Mac ... more